Quote from @Sharma Parth: Quote from @Jacob Sherman: are they selling the rent ready properties or consultants guiding you start to finish in the process  rent ready properties. they will take distressed properties > fix them > get you  section 8 tenant > and also offer management for you Sounds like a no brainer if the  numbers are right .

I found a lender and started the refi process. 

But neither do you, yet you started with:"Short answer is "yes"  - which I consider misleading.And you manipulated the OP's question to fit your agenda.

I’ve househacked a handful of properties and it’s truly the best way to get started!

Starting all over from scratch... my gray hair is turning back black....LOL.   

I know the decision shouldn't be made of tax benefit alone but starting to think other areas may help me accomplish both more efficiently.

It does beat the expected inflation rate of 2% set by the Fed.Rents will remain about the sameWhat’s interesting is they also expect:A 11.7% increase in existing home inventory followed by Single-family new home starts growing at an impressive 13.8%. 

@Anthony MillerYour property management experience is a major advantage as you start investing, giving you a head start with tenant screening, lease agreements, and maintenance coordination.

Real estate is not my of my knowledge base at all but I want to start working on building passive income now (I’m 44). 

Sounds like a challenging situation all around I would  not cancel the deal, but if he dies and it goes to the estate and probate you may want to start looking for something else just in case...Best of luck. ...